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Australia's chief selector the selector has declared that skipper Cummins will have a crucial role in this winter's England-Australia contest.

Rumors had circulated that Cummins might sit out due to a persistent back stress problem that had not yet healed.

Earlier indications from team management suggested no final decision had been made regarding whether he would play, with the Test matches kicking off on the 21st of November in Western Australia.

Bailey expressed that Cummins is "building up" and was "optimistic" about the prospects of participating.

"We're aware that the clock is ticking and multiple considerations around that, not just the physical problem, but other factors as well," Bailey remarked.

"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he will feature a key capacity. Hopefully it's the first Test. If not, we'll reassess."

Previous Setbacks

The captain missed the ODI and T20 games against New Zealand and India in the previous weeks after scans revealed a lower back issue.

There is a track record of recurring issues, with setbacks in several earlier campaigns forcing him out of several home seasons in a limited period.

Cummins stated he would be proactive in his approach in his recovery plan to secure his spot for the series.

The selector indicated that there was no confirmation if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his rehabilitation but admitted it was "pressing" for him to be fit for the initial match.

Alternative Arrangements

Should Cummins not be fit, ex-skipper Smith will assume leadership.

All-rounder Cameron Green was recently pulled out from the ODI lineup for their ODI contests against the Asian giants as a safety move because of discomfort in his torso.

Bailey described it as a "small issue and confirmed that he's scheduled to appear in the state-level matches, so will be "in a good place to be ready to bowl."

"Extensive planning has gone into building out the plan for him to participate for the initial game as an batting and bowling option," Bailey explained.

"Originally, he'd only feature in the starting games regardless. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, should it hinder progress for a short period, the choice was made to adopt a safer strategy."

Match Calendar

Australia vs England: The Ashes

From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026